Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances of the decade — and among them, ninja air fryer accessories consistently rank near the top due to their performance, reliability, and versatility. But owning a great air fryer is only half the experience — the accessories you choose can dramatically expand what you cook, how easy cleanup is, and even how healthy your meals turn out.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore:
- What Ninja air fryer accessories are
- Popular types and how they enhance cooking
- Features, pros, and cons of key accessory categories
- When it makes sense to buy them — plus buying tips
Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, this guide will help you make informed decisions.
Introduction: Why Accessories Matter
Air fryers work by circulating high-speed hot air around food to cook it evenly and crisp it up — but a bare basket or tray limits what you can do.
Accessories:
- Increase versatility — e.g., racks for multi-level cooking, skewers for kebabs.
- Improve results — circular/crisper plates boost airflow, leading to crunchier fries or chicken skins.
- Make cleanup easier — silicone liners and trays contain messes.
- Expand types of food — bake muffins, grill veggies, cook pizza — all with the same appliance.
Before accessories, you’re essentially limited to what the default basket allows. With the right add-ons, a Ninja air fryer becomes a small oven, grill, dehydrator, baking station, and more.
Popular Ninja Air Fryer Accessories & What They Do
There are dozens of accessories you can buy — some Ninja-branded, others third-party. Here are the main categories worth knowing:
1. Silicone Liners & Mats
What they are: Thin, flexible liners that sit in the bottom of the air fryer basket or tray.
What they do:
- Catch drips, crumbs, and grease
- Prevent food from sticking
- Make cleanup much faster
Best for: Fries, snack foods, messy foods like wings or marinated pieces.
Example features:
- Reusable and dishwasher-safe
- Heat resistant up to typical air fryer temps
- Designed to fit specific basket sizes
Pros
- Keeps fryer clean — saves washing time.
- Reusable — eco-friendly alternative to paper liners.
- Makes air frying sticky foods easier.
Cons
- Can impede airflow if not perforated properly — avoid liners without holes if you want consistent crisping.
- Third-party sizes aren’t always perfect fits — measure before you buy.
2. Crisper Plates and Elevated Racks
What they are: Metal or mesh plates that elevate food above the basket floor.
What they do:
These accessories allow hot air to circulate under food, not just above and around it. That results in more even cooking and better crispiness — especially for foods like fries or breaded items.
Common designs:
- Round crisper plates
- Multi-tier racks
- Small mesh trays
Best for: Anything you want crisp or evenly cooked.
Pros
- Better airflow = better texture.
- Often dishwasher safe.
- Lets you cook more per batch with stacking racks.
Cons
- Can overcrowd the basket if you overload with food.
- Some budget racks block airflow if poorly designed — check spacing and ventilation holes.
3. Skewers, Kebab Racks & Specialty Tools
What they are: Hardware accessories to make grilling inside the air fryer possible — skewers, vertical racks, stands, and more.
What they do:
- Enable kebabs, satays, kabobs
- Great for chicken, shrimp, veggies
- Can help cook food upright for more even exposure to heat
Pros
- Adds method variety beyond simple air frying.
- Great for healthier grilling at home.
- Often made of stainless steel, rust-resistant.
Cons
- Not essential for everyday use — more of a niche tool.
- Sizes must match your fryer — check dimensions.
4. Baking & Cooking Pans
What they are: Mini pans designed to fit inside Ninja baskets — e.g., baking trays, loaf pans, muffin tins.
What they do:
- Let you bake cakes, cornbread, cupcakes
- Cook casseroles and small roasts
- Essentially turn your air fryer into a mini oven
Pros
- Great for versatility — breakfast to desserts.
- Often made of silicone or non-stick material.
Cons
- Must be careful not to block airflow.
- Some pans may not be perfectly sized for every model — check capacity.
5. Oil Sprayers and Cooking Tools
What they are: Reusable sprayers and tools for even oil application and safe handling.
What they do:
- Spray a fine mist of oil for healthier cooking
- Avoids soggy or clumped foods
- Safer than aerosol sprays for high heat
Pros
- Better control of oil use — healthier meals.
- Easy to clean and refill.
Cons
- Extra cost for a relatively simple tool.
Features That Matter in Ninja Air Fryer Accessories
Accessories vary hugely in design and quality. These are the key features to watch for:
Heat Resistance
Good accessories should withstand high temperatures (often up to ~400–450°F). Silicone types usually handle this well — but always check ratings.
Food-Safe Materials
Look for food-grade silicone and stainless steel — they’re durable and won’t leach chemicals at high heat.
Airflow Optimization
Accessories should have holes or a mesh design that lets hot air circulate evenly. No matter how fancy a tool looks, if it blocks airflow, it will reduce crispiness.
Dishwasher Safe
This matters even more than you think — washable accessories save hours of hand washing.
Pros of Buying Ninja Air Fryer Accessories
Here’s what most users gain when they invest in quality accessories:
1. Expanded Cooking Possibilities
From baking to grilling to dehydrating and roasting, accessories let you:
- Make desserts and breads
- Prepare vegetables evenly
- Cook multiple foods at once using racks
2. Better Results
Crisper plates and elevated racks improve airflow — equating to better texture and browning.
3. Easier Cleanup
Silicone liners and trays catch spills, drips, and grease — saving time and frustration.
4. Portion Flexibility
You can cook smaller or larger portions with inserts and pans sized to your needs.
5. Healthier Cooking
Oil sprayers and racks minimize unnecessary oil usage — a core benefit of air frying.
Cons & Common Complaints
Accessories aren’t perfect — here are common downsides:
1. Compatibility Issues
Not all accessories fit every Ninja model. Always check model numbers and dimensions before buying.
2. Airflow Interference
Badly designed accessories can block airflow — resulting in uneven cooking or soggy food.
3. Storage Space
A large set of accessories takes cupboard space — an issue for small kitchens.
4. Quality Variability
Third-party products vary widely. Some silicone liners are flimsy; some racks don’t hold up over time.
When You Should Buy Ninja Air Fryer Accessories
Accessories are worthwhile when:
You Use Your Air Fryer Frequently
If the air fryer is a daily meal tool in your kitchen, accessories help get more done with it.
You Want to Expand Your Cooking Range
If you want to bake and grill — not just air fry — quality pans and racks unlock that capacity.
Cleanup Is a Pain Point
If you constantly struggle with grease and stuck-on food, liners and trays are worth it.
You Cook Large or Diverse Meals
Multi-level racks help prepare family meals or multiple side dishes in one session.
When Accessories Might Not Be Worth It
Occasional Air Fryer User
If you use your Ninja once a week, a basic rack and liner might suffice — you won’t need an entire 20-piece set.
Limited Kitchen Space
If storage is tight, choose only the most essential accessories.
Budget Constraints
High-quality accessories cost money; start with staples like a crisper plate and liner first.
Accessory Buying Tips
1. Always Check Compatibility
Accessory descriptions should list compatible Ninja models — measure the basket size to be sure.
2. Prioritize Airflow in Design
Accessories with perforations or mesh designs enhance airflow and crisp results.
3. Review Materials
Stainless steel and food-grade silicone last longest and withstand high heat best.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Too many pans or layers can reduce cooking efficiency.
Example Accessory Use Cases
Here are a few concrete examples of how accessories transform your air fryer:
Meal Prep Pro
Accessories used:
- Silicone liners
- Elevated crisper racks
- Silicone muffin cups
What this lets you do:
Meal-prep multiple components at once (protein, veggies, snacks) and bake muffins for breakfasts — all in your Ninja.
Family Dinner Hero
Accessories used:
- Multi-tier racks
- Grilling accessories
- Oil sprayer
What this lets you do:
Prepare bigger dinners faster — crisp fries below while grilling chicken above.
Healthy Snack Maker
Accessories used:
- Reusable oil sprayer
- Crisper plate
What this lets you do:
Make healthier chips and roasted veggies using minimal oil — great for kids’ lunches.
Wrap-Up
Ninja air fryer accessories are a strong value add for most home cooks — especially frequent users or those who crave versatility beyond basic air frying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do you put tin foil in a Ninja air fryer?
Yes, you can use tin foil in a Ninja air fryer, but it must not block airflow or cover the entire basket. Always secure it under food and keep it away from heating elements to ensure safe and even cooking.
- What cannot be cooked in a Ninja air fryer?
Foods with very light batters, loose sauces, or wet cheese alone should be avoided because they can drip, splatter, or burn. Large whole roasts that exceed the basket size also won’t cook evenly in a Ninja air fryer.
- What accessories do I need with my air fryer?
Essential air fryer accessories include a crisper rack for better airflow, silicone liners for easy cleanup, and an oil sprayer for healthier cooking. Baking pans or racks are optional if you plan to bake or cook multiple items at once.
